Nationwide Doctor Strike Over Safety Laws Amid Tragic Murder

The Federation of Resident Doctors' Associations (FORDA) is on strike, demanding the Central Healthcare Protection Act after the rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor. This has paralyzed non-emergency services nationally. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) discussed safety measures with Union Health Minister J P Nadda, who agreed to consider key demands.

The Federation of Resident Doctors' Associations (FORDA) announced on Tuesday the continuation of their ongoing strike, demanding a law to ensure the safety of healthcare workers following the murder of a Kolkata doctor.

In a post on X, the association stated, 'No assurance on the Central Healthcare Protection Act--no call off--our demands remain incomplete.' They emphasized that the strike would persist until all demands are fully accepted.

Resident doctors in government hospitals nationwide initiated an indefinite strike on Monday, protesting the gruesome killing of a female doctor at RG Kar Medical College—a move that has drastically affected elective services including outpatient departments and non-emergency surgeries.

The doctors continued their protest Tuesday in response to the rape and murder of the trainee doctor in Kolkata.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) convened a meeting with Union Health Minister J P Nadda to discuss pivotal issues impacting the medical community, presenting a memorandum of demands which encompassed the declaration of hospitals as safe zones, the introduction of a central law against violence, and security requirements for medical college recognition.

Dr. R V Asokan, National President of the IMA, conveyed that Nadda agreed to consider the first two demands and accepted the security stipulations for medical colleges.

Additionally, the IMA's call for improved working conditions and accommodations for resident doctors received a positive response from the minister, according to an official statement.

The postgraduate trainee doctor was tragically raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College while on duty last Thursday. Her semi-naked body was discovered in the seminar hall of the hospital.

The IMA asserted that since their demands remain unmet, doctors will continue their strike until all issues are fully resolved.